Can Stress Cause a Yeast Infection?

Stress shows up in the body in all kinds of surprising ways: stomach knots, headaches, breakouts, and trouble sleeping, just to name a few. Not a lot of people know that you can add yeast infections to that list, too. 

Emerging research shows that there is a link between stress and yeast infections, especially for people who experience recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC). Studies have found that women with RVVC tend to report higher levels of psychosocial stress, more signs of chronic stress, and altered cortisol patterns compared to those who don’t get frequent infections. Scientists believe chronic stress may weaken the immune system, disrupt the vaginal microbiome, and create conditions that make Candida overgrowth more likely.

Below, we break down what we know about stress and yeast infections, who’s most at risk, and what you can do to support vaginal health during stressful periods of life. 

How yeast infections happen

A vaginal yeast infection happens when Candida (a fungus that naturally lives in the vagina) grows more than it should. Normally, Candida is kept in check by healthy vaginal bacteria like Lactobacillus, your immune system, your vaginal pH, and your hormones. When this balance is disrupted, Candida can overgrow and trigger symptoms like itching, irritation, burning, and abnormal vaginal discharge.

Typically, we think of things like antibiotics, hormonal fluctuations, diabetes, or irritants as common triggers for yeast infections. Stress isn’t officially listed as a “classic” risk factor in major guidelines, but newer studies suggest that chronic stress might play a much bigger role than previously believed — especially when it comes to recurrent yeast infections.

How stress affects the vaginal microbiome

Your vaginal microbiome is a delicate ecosystem, and stress can influence it in several ways. When you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol. In short bursts, cortisol is helpful. However, in the long term, the system that regulates cortisol — the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis — can become dysregulated. This affects many parts of the body, including your microbiome and immune system.

Chronic stress may:

• Reduce your body’s ability to regulate microbial balance
• Lower levels of beneficial Lactobacillus bacteria
• Increase inflammation
• Make the vaginal environment less stable. 

These changes can weaken your natural defenses and create a more Candida-friendly environment. Because the gut and vaginal microbiomes are closely connected, stress-related digestive changes, like bloating, diarrhea, constipation, or changes in diet, can also indirectly influence vaginal microbial balance.

Can stress cause a yeast infection? 

A growing body of research has found several links between stress levels and RVVC:

• Women who experience recurrent yeast infections often report higher levels of stress and emotional distress compared to those without these infections. 
• These women may also show lower morning cortisol levels. Cortisol is a hormone that usually rises in the morning and drops by the evening. When levels stay steady, it can indicate chronic stress.
• Chronic stress can weaken the immune system and change the balance of bacteria in the vagina. This includes a drop in protective Lactobacillus species, which normally help keep Candida yeast in check. 
• Stress and psychological factors might be more important in predicting RVVC than traditional risks like diabetes or antibiotic use. Standard antifungal medication can relieve symptoms but doesn't address the underlying stress. This may be why some people continue to have relapses.

This doesn’t mean stress “causes” yeast infections in a direct, one-to-one way. But it’s increasingly recognized as a contributing factor, especially in the context of chronic, long-term stress.

Recurrent yeast infections are far more common than many people realize. Around 40–50% of women who experience one yeast infection will have at least one recurrence in their lifetime, and most recurrences happen within just a few months of treatment. About 5–10% of all women with yeast infections go on to develop recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis, meaning four or more episodes per year.

For those struggling with frequent flare-ups, chronic stress may be an overlooked part of the picture. If traditional triggers don’t fully explain your symptoms, addressing long-term stress could be the missing piece that helps break the cycle.

Stress, immunity, and yeast growth

Your immune system plays an important role in keeping Candida under control. Chronic stress can weaken your immune function, making it harder for your body to maintain a healthy balance of microbes. Research shows that women with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis who experience high levels of chronic stress often show signs of a weakened immune system. As a result, even minor changes — like irritation from a new soap, shifts in pH, or hormonal changes — can lead to a yeast infection.

Stress and hormones

Stress influences hormones throughout the body, including estrogen. Estrogen plays a big role in vaginal health by supporting Lactobacillus growth and helping maintain a protective pH. If stress disrupts hormone balance, the vaginal environment can become less stable, and Candida may have an easier time thriving. This is similar to what happens before your period, during pregnancy, or with certain birth control methods, when hormonal fluctuations can make yeast infections more likely.

Who is most at risk for stress-related yeast infections?

While anyone can get a vaginal yeast infection during stressful times, research shows that one group seems particularly vulnerable: premenopausal women with RVVC who are also experiencing chronic psychosocial stress.

Within this group, risk is even higher among women who report:

• High perceived stress
• Emotional strain or burnout
• Difficulties with work-life balance
• Chronic fatigue
• Mood symptoms such as depression or anxiety
• Type D personality traits (which involve high stress sensitivity and social inhibition)
• Low self-esteem or other psychological burdens. 

Why chronic stress seems to matter more than everyday stress

Most people deal with everyday stress like running late to work, juggling responsibilities, and managing small crises throughout the day. These short bursts of stress usually don’t cause enough disruption in the body to spark a yeast infection. Chronic stress, however, behaves very differently. When stress stretches over weeks or months, the body’s stress-response system starts to shift. Cortisol rhythms become less predictable, the immune system becomes more sluggish, and inflammation can slowly rise.

This long-term pressure can also influence gut health, hormone balance, sleep quality, and energy levels — all of which play a role in maintaining a stable vaginal microbiome. Over time, these gradual changes create conditions that make Candida growth more likely. For people who are already prone to yeast infections, chronic stress can become the factor that pushes an already sensitive system out of balance.

What this means for recurrent yeast infections

If yeast infections seem to show up repeatedly during stressful chapters of life, it’s not just a coincidence. Research suggests that psychosocial stress may be a more meaningful predictor of recurrent infections than some of the traditional biological triggers. This helps explain why some people see symptoms return shortly after treatment or notice that certain emotional or life stressors coincide with flare-ups.

Standard antifungal medications address the overgrowth itself, but they don’t change the underlying stress-related patterns that may be influencing the body’s immune and microbiome responses. That’s why, for some people, infections keep returning even when they’ve ruled out the usual suspects like antibiotics, new hygiene products, or hormonal changes. Understanding the role of stress doesn’t solve everything, but it can be a helpful missing piece for anyone navigating chronic or recurring symptoms.

How to support your vaginal health during stressful times

You can’t eliminate stress completely, and you don’t necessarily need to. The goal is to help your body stay balanced even when life isn’t. Here are some easy lifestyle changes to support vaginal health:

• Prioritize sleep: Even small improvements can help reset your stress system and strengthen immunity.
• Aim for balanced meals: Especially foods that support gut health, like yogurt, kefir, vegetables, whole grains, and fermented foods.
• Protect the vulva from irritants: Avoid scented soaps, wipes, feminine sprays, and douches.
• Change out of tight or damp clothing: Keeping the vaginal area dry helps prevent yeast overgrowth.
• Wear cotton underwear: Synthetic and tight-fitting material can trap moisture and create an environment where yeast can thrive.

• Move your body in stress-friendly ways: Regular exercise, whether it's a pilates class or a walk around the block, counts just as much as intense workouts.
• Build in small daily stress relievers: Stretching, getting some fresh air, deep breathing, journaling, or talking to someone supportive can help shift cortisol patterns over time.
• Monitor your microbiome: Tools like Evvy’s Vaginal Health Test give you insight into which microbes are thriving or struggling, so you can understand how stress might be affecting your vaginal environment. This type of information can be especially helpful for people who experience recurrent symptoms.
• Consider a probiotic: Evvy’s Women’s Complete Probiotics are designed to support beneficial bacteria, including Lactobacillus species, which are key to maintaining a balanced vaginal and gut microbiome. While probiotics aren’t a cure on their own, they can complement other healthy habits and help reinforce your natural defenses.

When to reach out to a healthcare provider

It’s a good idea to talk with a healthcare professional if:

• You have recurrent infections (three or more per year)
• Symptoms return soon after treatment
• Over-the-counter options aren’t working
• You’re not completely sure it’s a yeast infection
• You have additional symptoms like fever, pelvic pain, or vaginal bleeding. 

Sometimes what feels like a yeast infection could be another vaginal infection, such as bacterial vaginosis (BV), or another condition entirely. Many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) also mimic the symptoms of a yeast infection, including white discharge, burning, and irritation. Evvy’s Vaginal Health Test can help identify what’s really going on and offer a clearer path forward. 

FAQs about stress and yeast infections

Why does stress cause yeast infections?

Stress doesn’t directly cause a vaginal yeast infection, but it can shift the conditions inside the body in ways that make a vaginal yeast infection more likely. Long-term stress can disrupt cortisol rhythms, weaken immune responses, and alter the vaginal microbiome by reducing protective Lactobacilli. These changes make it harder for your body to keep Candida growth in check. Stress can also influence sleep, diet, and energy levels, which indirectly affect vaginal balance and overall resilience.

Why do I get recurring yeast infections during stressful periods?

Recurring infections during stressful times often happen because chronic stress gradually wears down the systems that normally prevent Candida overgrowth. If your cortisol levels stay high or become dysregulated, your immune function may not respond as strongly, and the vaginal microbiome may become less stable. People with frequent yeast infections are especially sensitive to these shifts, and symptoms often return when stress accumulates. Even if you treat each infection effectively, the underlying stress can keep the body in a state where yeast overgrowth is more likely to happen again.

How can I reduce stress-related yeast infection risk?

While you can't entirely prevent vaginal yeast infections (or stress, for that matter), small, consistent habits can make a real difference. Prioritizing sleep, staying hydrated, and eating balanced meals helps support hormone balance, gut health, and the vaginal microbiome. Gentle movement, fresh air, or taking a few minutes to unwind can help regulate stress hormones. Avoiding irritants like scented soaps, changing out of damp clothes quickly, and maintaining comfortable hygiene routines also support vaginal balance. Together, these habits help your body stay resilient even during stressful periods.

Should I see a doctor if I think stress is causing my yeast infections?

Yes, it’s a good idea to talk with a healthcare provider if you’re having frequent yeast infections, even if you suspect stress is the main trigger. Stress can contribute to recurrent symptoms, but other factors like hormonal fluctuations, BV, dermatitis, or underlying health conditions can also play a role. A clinician can help confirm the diagnosis, rule out other issues, and recommend treatments or testing with Evvy that can clarify what’s driving your symptoms.